Knicks get career night from Russian, beat Pistons -- The AP reports: Timofey Mozgov’s initiation to NBA life was so shaky that he eventually went to the bench and stayed there for three weeks. He earned himself another shot Sunday night. “I’m excited about this, because I want to play,” Mozgov said. The rookie had season highs of 23 points and 14 rebounds in his first appearance since Jan. 9, and the New York Knicks beat the Detroit Pistons 124-106 on Sunday night. Amare Stoudemire scored 33 points despite a sprained right knee and Danilo Gallinari added 29 for the Knicks, who seized control early in the fourth quarter after it was tied through three. Gallinari made two 3-pointers in a decisive 12-2 burst to open the final period, with coach Mike D’Antoni saying it might have been his best game of the season... Ben Gordon made seven 3-pointers and scored a season-high 35 points for the Pistons, who have lost three in a row. Rookie Greg Monroe had 15 points and 17 rebounds.

Even though the Pistons lost I really liked the games the rookie bigs had. Mozgov finally had a game that we all wondered if he had the ability to do. I always enjoy watching the new talent grow in the league. It'll be interesting to see how his career progresses. If he turns into a legit C next to Amare, NY has a pretty decent future ahead of them.

I'm also glad to see the continued success of Monroe. I'm always wondering what position is going to be his more natural position (though I know he'll play both from time to time). He still seems like a PF to me. The dude just reminds me of Pau Gasol.